Plant explosion near Waco

Rescue workers searched rubble that witnesses compared to a war zone early Thursday for survivors of a fertilizer plant explosion in a small Texas town. The blast injured more than 160 people and killed between five and 15.

A house in West burns after the West Fertilizer Plant exploded. (Kristen Crow/Twitter/Waco Herald-Tribune)

A house in West burns after the West Fertilizer Plant exploded. (Kristen Crow/Twitter/Waco Herald-Tribune)

A house in West burns after the West Fertilizer Plant exploded.... Photo-4489117.60587 - Houston Chronicle

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The remains of a silo that was part of a fertilizer plant burns and smokes Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after the plant exploded Wednesday night in West, Texas. The massive explosion killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, shaking the ground with the strength of a small earthquake and leveling homes and businesses for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

The remains of a silo that was part of a fertilizer plant burns and smokes Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after the plant exploded Wednesday night in West, Texas. The massive explosion killed as many as 15 ... more

Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press

The remains of a silo that was part of a fertilizer plant burns and... Photo-4490734.60587 - Houston Chronicle

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A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013 (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News)

A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013 (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News)

Photo: Michael Ainsworth, Associated Press

A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an... Photo-4489328.60587 - Houston Chronicle

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Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz survey the aftermath of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. (Photo from Twitter)

Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz survey the aftermath of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. (Photo from Twitter)

Congressman Roger Williams, left, speaks with reporters about the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion as Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz listen at a news conference on Friday April 19, 2013. The massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. Wednesday night killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160. The bodies of 12 people have been recovered, authorities said Friday. (AP Photo/Star-Telegram, Ron T. Ennis) less

Congressman Roger Williams, left, speaks with reporters about the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion as Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz listen at a news conference on Friday April 19, 2013. The massive ... more

Nicole Lopez and her 15-year-old daughter, Gabby, from West, Texas put supplies in a box for Lopez's aunt at a distribution center to help those affected from the West Fertilizer explosion on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Lopez said her home was not affected from the blast. less

Nicole Lopez and her 15-year-old daughter, Gabby, from West, Texas put supplies in a box for Lopez's aunt at a distribution center to help those affected from the West Fertilizer explosion on Friday, Apr. 19, ... more

A woman rummages through a hugh pile of shoes at a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April 19 2013, two days after a deadly fertilizer plant blast occured. While rescuers in Texas were set to return to the rubble in their continuing search for survivors after the massive blast killed as many as 15 people and destroyed dozens of homes, all roads leading to the area of destruction have been closed off and manned by various state authorities controlling the entry and exit of vehicles and people. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWNFREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images less

A woman rummages through a hugh pile of shoes at a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April ... more

Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP/Getty Images

A woman rummages through a hugh pile of shoes at a distribution... Photo-4498962.60587 - Houston Chronicle

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Stacks of 'Pure Life' water sit on the roadside as vehicles are directed to a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April 19 2013, two days after a deadly fertilizer plant blast occured. While rescuers in Texas were set to return to the rubble in their continuing search for survivors after the massive blast killed as many as 15 people and destroyed dozens of homes, all roads leading to the area of destruction have been closed off and manned by various state authorities controlling the entry and exit of vehicles and people. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWNFREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images less

Stacks of 'Pure Life' water sit on the roadside as vehicles are directed to a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as ... more

A volunteer carries a mattress to load onto a truck at a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April 19 2013, two days after a deadly fertilizer plant blast occured. While rescuers in Texas were set to return to the rubble in their continuing search for survivors after the massive blast killed as many as 15 people and destroyed dozens of homes, all roads leading to the area of destruction have been closed off and manned by various state authorities controlling the entry and exit of vehicles and people.AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWNFREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images less

A volunteer carries a mattress to load onto a truck at a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on ... more

Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP/Getty Images

A volunteer carries a mattress to load onto a truck at a... Photo-4498968.60587 - Houston Chronicle

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Vehicles wait in line while headed to a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April 19 2013, two days after a deadly fertilizer plant blast occured. While rescuers in Texas were set to return to the rubble in their continuing search for survivors after the massive blast killed as many as 15 people and destroyed dozens of homes, all roads leading to the area of destruction have been closed off and manned by various state authorities controlling the entry and exit of vehicles and people.AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWNFREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images less

Vehicles wait in line while headed to a distribution center where supplies like water and clothing, including medical supplies, are being dropped off or picked up as needed, in West, Texas, on April 19 2013, ... more

Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP/Getty Images

Vehicles wait in line while headed to a distribution center where... Photo-4498970.60587 - Houston Chronicle

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A "God Bless West" sign in West, Texas, Friday April 19, 2013. The bodies of 12 people have been recovered after an enormous Texas fertilizer plant explosion that demolished surrounding neighborhoods for blocks and left about 200 other people injured, authorities said Friday. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes) less

A "God Bless West" sign in West, Texas, Friday April 19, 2013. The bodies of 12 people have been recovered after an enormous Texas fertilizer plant explosion that demolished surrounding neighborhoods for blocks ... more

Texas Senator John Cornyn, right, talks to the media after touring the site of a fertilizer plant explosion Friday, April 19, 2013 in West, Texas. The massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. Wednesday night killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160. The bodies of 12 people have been recovered, authorities said Friday.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) less

Texas Senator John Cornyn, right, talks to the media after touring the site of a fertilizer plant explosion Friday, April 19, 2013 in West, Texas. The massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. Wednesday ... more

West resident Betty Tucker, 82, who owns the apartment complex that was devastated by the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion is given a hug by friend, Jack Clements at The Village Bakery Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas.
Tucker said she hasn't been able to reach three residents, but she hoped everyone got out in time. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

West resident Betty Tucker, 82, who owns the apartment complex that was devastated by the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion is given a hug by friend, Jack Clements at The Village Bakery Thursday, April 18, ... more

Law enforcement and rescue personnel search the damage to an apartment complex from the explosion of the West Fertilizer plant on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

Law enforcement and rescue personnel search the damage to an apartment complex from the explosion of the West Fertilizer plant on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant ... more

Clayton Tribble, 9, of West sits during a candle light vigil held at St. Mary's of Assumption Catholic Church as more than 500 gathered to mourn those hurt and killed in the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. less

Clayton Tribble, 9, of West sits during a candle light vigil held at St. Mary's of Assumption Catholic Church as more than 500 gathered to mourn those hurt and killed in the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion ... more

Claudia Wolfe shows how her window was blown out by the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas.

Claudia Wolfe shows how her window was blown out by the West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Claudia Wolfe shows how her window was blown out by the West... Photo-4494422.60587 - Houston Chronicle

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A flag is at half mast after the explosion at a West, Texas fertilizer plant.

A flag is at half mast after the explosion at a West, Texas fertilizer plant.

Photo: Johnny Hanson

A flag is at half mast after the explosion at a West, Texas... Photo-4490653.60587 - Houston Chronicle

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Iesha Chapman, 46, of Waco, holds the hands of her friend Janie Salazar, right, 57, of West at the Best Western hotel Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. Salazar and her family had to evacuate her home after a massive explosion. less

Iesha Chapman, 46, of Waco, holds the hands of her friend Janie Salazar, right, 57, of West at the Best Western hotel Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. Salazar and her family had to evacuate her home ... more

A destroyed car sits as firefighters conduct a search and rescue of an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

A destroyed car sits as firefighters conduct a search and rescue of an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the ... more

The remains of a home burn early Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after a fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday night in West, Texas. The massive explosion killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, shaking the ground with the strength of a small earthquake and leveling homes and businesses for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

The remains of a home burn early Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after a fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday night in West, Texas. The massive explosion killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, ... more

Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press

The remains of a home burn early Thursday morning, April 18, 2013,... Photo-4490668.60587 - Houston Chronicle

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A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a near by fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas.

A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a near by fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas.

Photo: Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte

A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a... Photo-4490395.60587 - Houston Chronicle

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A destroyed car sits as firefighters conduct a search and rescue of an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

A destroyed car sits as firefighters conduct a search and rescue of an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the ... more